American Forest & Paper Association Releases February 2018 U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly Report

Containerboard production was up 3.6 percent compared to December 2016 and up 3.1 percent year-to-date. The month-over-month average daily production was 1.8 percent higher compared to November 2017. The containerboard operating rate for December increased from 96.9 percent to 98.9 percent, 2.4 percentage points higher than December of 2016 and production for exports was 3.3 percent higher than December 2016. Year-to-date production of containerboard for exports is up 4.1 percent.

WestRock Company was recognized for packaging design excellence at the 77th Annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition. The company won 18 awards, including two major awards: Rigid Box of the Year and Digital Application of the Year. Sponsored by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) and judged by packaging experts, the awards recognize packaging that represents the best in converting excellence, innovation and sustainability that the North American folding carton industry provided its customers over the past year. Click read more below for additional detail.

SCA announces a price increase for all Brown and White Kraftliner grades in Europe by € 60 per ton, effective from 1st of February 2018. "The market for containerboard continues to be very strong. The demand for kraftliner of all grades is high and the supply is tight", says Mikael Frölander, Vice President Sales and Marketing Containerboard.